Published May 19, 2016
The Latest on California water conservation in drought (all times local):
2:40 p.m.
Officials with water districts throughout drought-stricken California say they support a proposed move to put the agencies in control of conservation after a wet winter eased conditions in some parts of the state.
The State Water Resources Control Board is meeting Wednesday in Sacramento to decide whether it will drop conservation measures now required statewide.
The proposal being considered would allow districts to determine how much water their residential and business customers must save in light of local supply and demand.
Shannon Catullo of the South Tahoe Public Utility District and other officials told the board they favor the plan.
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11:20 p.m.
California water officials say they will consider dropping a mandate requiring conservation in the state's fifth year of drought.
The State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday will vote on whether to give local water districts control of setting their own conservation targets.
California is in a fifth year of drought. Near-average rain and snowfall this winter in Northern California lifted key reservoirs. Southern California, however, missed out on much of the precipitation.
Max Gomberg of the state water board says he believes Californians understand the severity of drought and will continue conserving.
Southern California landscaper Greg Gritters says he welcomes the change that gives local water authorities more control.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/the-latest-water-districts-back-shift-in-conservation-plan